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Updated: Jul 7, 2026
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Total hip arthroplasty in heart transplant patients
José Luis León1, Carlos Resines, Alberto Zafra
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hospital Doce de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. JLLEONB@terra.es
Insights
Cementless total hip arthroplasty effectively treats advanced avascular necrosis of the femoral head after heart transplant. This procedure improved pain and function with no major complications in patients.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Cardiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is a recognized complication following heart transplantation.
- Patients with advanced AVNFH require effective treatment options to restore hip function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) for treating AVNFH in heart transplant recipients.
- To assess functional outcomes and complication rates associated with this specific patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 24 cementless THAs in 18 patients with advanced AVNFH (Ficat-Arlet stages II-IV) post-heart transplant.
- Follow-up duration averaged 35.4 months.
- Pain and function were assessed using Harris Hip Score and WOMAC arthritis index.
Main Results:
- Significant improvements in pain and function scores were observed post-operatively.
- No instances of component loosening, infection, or cardiac complications were reported.
- The procedure demonstrated a favorable safety profile in this cohort.
Conclusions:
- Cementless THA is a viable and safe treatment for advanced AVNFH in patients who have undergone heart transplantation.
- This surgical approach can lead to substantial improvements in hip function and quality of life.
Abstract:
Avascular necrosis of the femoral head (AVNFH) is a known complication after heart transplantation. In order to assess the efficacy and complications of cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) in this population, the authors analysed 24 cementless THAs in 18 patients with advanced AVNFH (stage II affecting more than 15% of the articular surface, stage III and IV according to the Ficat-Arlet classification) after a heart transplant procedure. Average duration of follow-up was 35.4 months (range: 16 to 66). Pain and function scores (Harris Hip Score and WOMAC arthritis index) showed significant improvement from the preoperative levels. There was no evidence of component loosening, heart-related complications or infection following the THA. Cementless THA is a reasonable treatment option for advanced avascular necrosis of the femoral head following heart transplant procedures.
